| Description: Adult river frogs (Rana
[Lithobates] heckscheri) are large frogs, ranging from 3 to 5 inches
(7-13 cm) long. The record length is over 6 inches (15.5 cm). The dorsal surface
can vary from green, dark green, to greenish black. The venter can be almost completely
black, but is usually medium to dark gray. The belly also has short wavy lines
or light spots. River frogs resemble Bullfrogs (Rana [L.] catesbeiana)
and Pig Frogs (Rana [L.] grylio) but can be distinguished by the presence
of light spots on the lips, particularly on the lower jaw. Males have a
more yellowish throat than females. Also, the tympanum, or eardrum, is larger
than the eye in males. In females, however, the tympanum is either the same size
or smaller than the eye. River frogs have no dorsolateral ridges, which
helps in characterizing it the similar Green Frog (Rana [L.] clamitans).
The skin of river frogs is also more rugose than other ranid frogs, in other words
the skin is rougher and heavily wrinkled. These frogs can also be identified
by a pale girdle outlining the groin. Juveniles will have noticeably red
eyes. Tadpoles are very large and have a conspicuous black margin on their tail
fin. Range and Habitat: River frogs are found the Coastal Plain of
the southeastern United States, from southern North Carolina to Mississippi. They
can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats but are most common along "blackwater"
creeks and in cypress swamps. Habits: These frogs are nocturnal and
are more easily approached than other frogs. Instead of fleeing, river frogs will
often play dead and go limp or secrete an unpleasant odor. They breed from April
to early August. The large tadpoles of river frogs can reach a size of up to 5
inches. The tadpoles also demonstrate schooling behavior, which is uncommon among
frogs with large tadpoles. Call: The call of these frogs can be described
as a deep, low-pitched, rolling snore. Conservation Status: River
frogs are somewhat common in the southern Coastal Plain of the Georgia, where
suitable habitat is still available. It has apparently declined in the east, though,
and is believed extinct in North Carolina. Habitat loss is presumed to be the
cause of these declines. There is no state or federal law protecting this species.
The IUCN (Red List) Status for this species is LC (Least Concern). Pertinent
References:
Beane, Jefferey C. 1998. Status of the river frog (Rana
heckscheri), in North Carolina. Brimleyana 25: 69-79.
Altig, R.
1981. Behavioral characteristics of the tadpoles of Rana heckscheri (Anura:
Ranidae). Journal of Herpetology 15(2): 151-154. Account Author:
Benjamin Morrison, University of Georgia - edited by J.D. Willson |
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River frog tadpole
River frog metamorph - note red eyes
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